Boss speaker

Go gab it: Radio is a medium that reaches 99% of the Indian population. So if you wish to make a mark in the Indian FM Radio Industry, passion and determination is all that’s required

The lowdown

Radio jockeys (RJ) are the glue that holds a radio station together. Their job includes music programming, scripting, presenting radio shows, radio advertisements and lending voice to audio magazines and documentaries. As per a PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) report, the radio sector is estimated to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19% during 2009-13. The radio advertising industry is expected to witness an increase of 5.2% growth during 2009-13 from present 3.8% and the profession of an RJ will witness a tremendous boost. Hence, this is best time to be in Indian FM Radio Industry. If you have what it takes to be a good RJ, then the world can be your stage.

ClockworkAn RJ works for eight to ten hours a day but the schedule can go haywire anytime. There’s no strict adherence to time. A breakfast presenter starts work from 6am, come hail/storm/rain. An average day of an RJ:5am: Yoga6.30am: Head to the workplace11am: Show ends. Have breakfast/brunch12.30pm: Plan for next day’s show1pm: Production/scripting/ preparation1.30pm: Lunch2pm: Do interviews 3pm: Do extra production work4pm: Leave for home

The payoffAt the entry level, a radio jockey can earn around Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 16,000. RJs with one or two years of experience can earn between Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 45,000. If one moves up to the management level, the salary can be anywhere between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 95,000 per month or even more. The pay increases according to your job profile and experience. Senior RJs make around Rs. 1.5 lakh to Rs. 2 lakh a month. However, if an RJ is able to create a niche and succeeds in popularising his/her style, the remuneration has no limit

Skills/TRAITS* Creative bent of mind* Focused approach* One needs to be adaptable* Sense of humour is a must* General knowledge and awareness* Confidence and positive attitude

Getting thereThere is no specific academic path to become an RJ but graduation is mandatory. A diploma or a postgraduation degree in mass communication can be an add-on. Also, several courses are available which can help you pick up the skills, get better understanding of the profession and its technicalities. Qualifications may be useful but skills and passion count for more in this profession

Pros and cons* Low investments but high returns* Fame and praise guaranteed* Great scope for progress and growth* Not paid as much as TV artists* Less time for family and friends

Every time I switch on the mike, I have to prove myself. For the last 15 years, I’ve been on my toes to keep the job I have -- RJ Simran, senior manager and host of breakfast show ‘dhinchak mornings’, Radio City, New Delhi